Just moving back to the city, and know some of my go-tos have closed down.

Who's doing Bi Bim Bap well, these days, and with a nice variety of banchan?

My sister has some very serious dietary restrictions, and we're looking for any options in SOHO that won't break the bank.

Any recommendations, from a quick and tasty snack to a whole meal, would be greatly appreciated.

Splendido
Edulis
Chantecler
George
Hoof Fish
Hoof Hoof
The Atlantic
Zen
Roti Lady
Guu Saka

fyi Poppi...

I've spent the last 6 months living in the US, and Food Network programming is actually far worse down here. How would you like at 3 hour DDD marathon repeated twice daily, and shown every day of the week?

That's really tough to hear. I've only been once since John handed it over, and none of the changes you mention had taken effect. I'm not living in Toronto right now, but will certainly make the trip once John figures his next project out.

Sorry for the threadjack, Scott. You might also try F'Amelia, in that neck of the woods.

Googs - I can't believe you didn't say it!

Omi is usually my go-to for dinner before a show at the Pheonix...just make sure it's not the early weekend set times, before you make a reservation...sad to say I've made that mistake a few times now.

+1 The Atlantic

Edulis and Lamesa presently sit at the top of my must try list, and I think the latter could be the flavour explosion that you are seeking.

Having been to what I'd say are your best options (Acadia, Ici Bistro, Yours Truly), my most flavourful meal came from Yours Truly. That being said, I don't know that you want to take a chance with what they're tweaking with in the kitchen on any particular night. I found the flavours to be more on the subtle side at Acadia, although the dishes are polished. Ici has never blown my mind, but it is bistro food done very well.

Yes and yes, although the patio is tiny and only had cigarette smokers on it when I was there.

Right with you, Bobby. I also found most of the non-taco offerings to be overly greasy.

Boehmer is one of the more sophisticated spots on Ossington to have a cocktail. Although it's not exactly laid back, the seating is comfortable and the clientele is usually older than most other bars in the neighbourhood.

Watusi could also work.

It's just tacos!

Very briefly, a large group of us had an enjoyable time here last night. We probably ordered most of the things on the menu, and the tacos were just as good as the ones I've lined up for at pop-ups in the past. The tacos are tasty but the standouts for me, by far, are the Mexican corn (Elote) and tongue tostada. Tasty drinks hover just over $10, service is friendly and accommodating, and their signature artwork is left for you with the the bill.

The meal came out to just over $30pp with an alcoholic beverage, full appetizer spread, a few tacos each, tax, and tip.

Why I liked this experience better than General Electric...

- music is not nearly as loud, and I can speak to the person sitting across the table from me
- no lineup (for now)
- for me, the location is much closer
- great service, and tacos were turned around in about 5 minutes in each of the three rounds that we ordered them

I'll be back again, and hope they manage to stick it out longer than the last few establishments that have shared this space.

A bit douchey NOW?

Love them or hate them, these are the people you have to thank for their endless support in the expansion of Toronto's food experience.

To answer my own question, they are open on Tuesdays.

I stopped in with some friends for a few quick eats, and we enjoyed everything we ate. This is now my third time here and, while I'd certainly recommend it for a drink and a bite to eat, I'm not sure that I would sit down for another full meal. Most dishes are great on their own but, as a whole, stringing them together just didn't leave me satisfied. I'd definitely recommend giving the fish board and chawanmushi a try.

Are they open on a Tuesday night?

I know I've already been on a Wednesday, so I don't think they're sticking to the same days and hours as TBH.

Looks interesting. I don't see any pricing posted.

How many more nose-to-tail concepts does Toronto need to stop calling this unique?

The fries were indeed great, but how many did you receive for the additional $3?

Had Hadley's burger last night. The meat was well seasoned, the portion was about half of the regular burger on the menu, and the flavours didn't really work for me. The use of blue cheese did not pair well at all with their marmalade, and I can't say I could taste the bacon.

I used to live right there, and ate it at least once a week. There is plenty to try, and I worked my way through the entire menu. Their naan is on the crunchier side, but I prefer it to most and would recommend the sesame style. The food is certainly tasty, but there were a few times that my body did not agree with what I had eaten. You can count on the food always being greasy, but there are some days when the grease is just out of control. The simple salad and delicious dressing are recommended to help combat some of that oil.

The garden patio at George is beautiful, and the food is probably just right for such a special occasion lunch. I'd be worried about boisterous corporate lunches at most indoor top tier restaurants in the area, taking away from some of the romance.

My sister is staying in the East Village, and I told her I'd do my best to help her find some delicious places to accommodate her dietary restrictions. I'm hoping for all price ranges, and she's a very adventurous eater.

Any help is greatly appreciated - THANKS!

Looking to help out my parents who will be downtown on a Saturday.

My father eats only fish and vegetable dishes, while my mother loves her meat. Can anyone suggest a delicious place to accomodate them with mains around $20, in the downtown area?

I would definitely agree with The Atlantic, and will also add Yours Truly.

Best of luck, and enjoy your meal!...along the lines of Enoteca and Camagnolo, Buca ranks highest in my books.

There's a lot of Acadia love on this board but, after being numerous times, I just don't find the place itself to be special enough for a celebration. I also don't find the place, or most of its clientele, to be on the hip side. If you can make due without the hip, I'd certainly suggest Splendido on a Thursday or Saturday - Wonderful food, arguably the best service in the city, and pretty lively on these days.

For a hipper feel, by my interpretation, I'd suggest The Saint, Chantecler, Woodlot, and Yours Truly if you're a bit more open minded.

http://www.fqfi.org/frenchquarterfest...

What are the favourites, hits, and misses from this year's lineup?

Agreed! I like the food and concept, but will never go out of my way to eat there. We jokingly call it General Electric, and I am looking forward to trying out their new patio this summer.

Thank you kindly for your responses.

As this is the first time in NOLA for most attending, I was hoping that the room itself and the view would add to the value. Can someone agree or disagree to that? If not, which establishment could provide a better opportunity on a Friday night?

I am trying to organize a bachelor's dinner at Dickie Brennan's. Our party is only 10 and they are asking for a $1500 minimum. Does this sound reasonable, is the place and food worth it, and would it still be worth it to pay a little more if we don't eat and drink that much?

Thanks in advance.